Many homeowners consider the cost of granite countertops way beyond their budget. While it is true that these countertops come with a high initial cost, granite also offers incredible features that you cannot find in any other countertop material. By taking a good look at what you are getting, you may come to appreciate the value of granite countertops more.
Granite Countertops are They Worth the Price?
Granite countertops are a long term investment into the future of your home. The beauty and quality of granite countertops is recognized the world over. Whether you plan to keep your home long term or sell it in the future, your countertop investment will increase the value of your home and property. The longevity of granite countertops also makes this investment worth its while. Over the course of time, most homeowners face the need to remodel their kitchen due to wear and tear. Conventional kitchen countertops often need to undergo maintenance and repair every 3-4 years, depending on the extent to which you utilize your kitchen. In contrast, a granite countertop can last for years and years without losing its polished, highly attractive appearance. When you consider the cost of maintaining or replacing conventional countertops to a one time investment in a granite product, you will better appreciate what you are buying.
Laminate countertops are fairly cheap to buy but their durability level is quite low. As a result they are highly susceptible to scratches, stains and other surface damage. Hardwood countertops are attractive and strong. But they, too, can stain or dent or become darkened with age. Marble countertops have tremendous aesthetic beauty but they are not near as durable as granite. They chip easily and are prone to stains from oil and spices, unless sealed often.
In contrast, high quality granite countertops are heat and water resistant. They will not scratch or crack, even when used for many, many years. Polished granite countertops will keep their sleek, glossy surface through rain or shine. In addition, they are very simple to maintain and clean, which will increase the hygienic standard in your kitchen. In short, granite countertops are a worthwhile investment into your future. The many positive aspects of this material make the cost of granite countertops a viable asset for your home.
Components That Contribute to the High Cost of Granite Countertops
The high cost of granite countertops can be attributed to three components: the countertop itself, shipping costs and installation costs. High quality granite can be very expensive to buy. Granite colors, designs, thickness, fashion trends and market rates all make a difference in the product’s cost. Depending on the size and weight of your granite slab and location of purchase, delivery costs may make a marked difference in its overall expense. But if you want to ensure your countertop stone reaches its destination safely, this price cannot be avoided. Installation is yet another expense that homeowners face when deciding upon a granite countertop for their kitchen. Granite slab countertops require professional installation with the right kind of tools and equipment to get the job done right. When you add all of these costs together, you end up paying a high premium for the product you desire.
There are several options that might help bring the cost of granite countertops down to a more manageable level. You can often get better prices for granite by working with a contractor and dealer on an individual basis. You can start by finding a qualified contractor for installation. Your contractor should visit your home to get accurate measurements for your counters and give you a price quote for his services. You may want to get several quotes from different contractors to get a better idea of installation costs, and then choose accordingly.
When choosing a contractor, make sure you do your homework well, checking into his qualifications, experience and expertise. You can even ask for referrals if necessary before you decide. Once you have someone to install your countertop, you are ready to find a qualified granite dealer who will give you a good price on your product. By shopping around and comparing prices, you should be able to find the best deal.
There is no doubt that the cost of granite countertops is high. But by comparing the pros and cons of this decision carefully, you can determine whether it is worth the investment for you. A lovely granite kitchen countertop would make any homeowner proud. But putting looks aside, granite countertops provide the high level of practical, functional use you need from a countertop without requiring constant maintenance or repair. It just makes good business sense to invest in a high quality product that will give you years of excellent use in addition to aesthetic beauty, all wrapped up in one neat package.